Sometimes the do-it-yourself projects we plan get a little overwhelming and we soon find ourselves out of the comfort zone.

Sure, it's not hard to muster the motivation to tackle the easy stuff but when it comes to big new home improvement projects it can be a fast train that we just can't catch up with. Even with all the reno work I do every week, I still somehow get myself into projects that need more experience then I have.

I can only imagine how a newcomer would feel. I have installed lots of doors and windows over the years but every now and then something comes up where I need to seek out someone more experienced. Because I call myself a good planner I rarely take on a project that I don't think is a slam-dunk. Nor should any homeowner.

Hey, the last thing you want to do is tear out someone's window only to find that you can't get the new one in. I always start window and door projects early in the day because we all know that anything can happen, and when we are talking about home improvement, something will happen.

When it comes to something as important as windows and doors we can't overemphasize the importance of good accurate planning. The homeowner may not know it but we often seek professional advise from the door and window guys before we even suggest the work to the home owner. We just want to know if what we're planning will work and if you're doing it yourself you need to know this too.

In Cranbrook we often look to the professionals at Kootenay Overhead Door and Glass. This is what they do every day, and when we need reliable advice we can count on their professional input. For do-it-yourselfers that have never installed a new window or door then a visit to Kootenay Overhead Door and Glass can save you a lot of headaches.

Not all windows are alike. Neither are garage doors for that matter. There are several things to know while shopping for a new garage door or a house full of windows. Price is not always the best place to start. You want the new door or windows to be the best quality you can afford and the best for your application. The staff at Kootenay Overhead Door can answer all these questions and make the whole process seem simple.

Why go though all the trouble and cost only to find out later that you could have done better if you only knew more about the product. I don't make it my job to promote individual products or suppliers. I have my favourites, but what I try do here is to pass along the best advice I can about home renovations and repairs.

Kootenay Overhead Door has helped me out many times over the years and it's time to pass along that advice. Planning a house full of new windows is no small project. There is a lot on the line here not to mention the costs involved. Get the best advise you can so that you can get the best results you can.

Do you even know how to measure for a new window or door? Most beginners don't. What kind of door or window do you want or need? What do you want to spend? These are important questions, and unless you have window and door installation on lock down, talk to a pro for some peace of mind. A couple of weeks ago I got a lesson on garage doors that made me feel like I knew little or nothing about all.

The cheapest is rarely the best. Insulation, hinges, openers and overall construction is far more important than paying a hundred dollars less. I repair garage doors all the time that were installed wrong or made with plastic hinges or weak hardware. How about a garage door that works when the power is out? What a great feature. Bargain overhead doors don't offer that.

Windows and doors are very important aspects of any home improvement and having this part of your renovation go bad can be a big headache. Call on the professionals so your reno doesn't get you in over your head. After the installers leave you can do the finish trim and take credit for the whole thing.